I've been playing a Way of the Four Elements Monk for quite some time now, which has made me realize how true the popular opinion of this subclass being subpar really is. So I decided to try and think of a way to help it along without completely changing everything, since I think a remake isn't entirely necessary. (Though, I definitely see the appeal.) Anyway, I ended up coming up with a single feature that I think not only makes this subclass a lot more appealing to use, but also fits with the idea that you're becoming a master of the elements. Let me know your opinions on it if you could, I'm very curious.
Perfecting Elements
You have studied the elements and how they work in tandem with your Ki to such a degree that they become easier to use. When picking this monastic tradition at 3rd level, choose one of the four elements; Earth, Wind, Water or Fire. All Elemental Disciplines that use that element in some way, now costs half the normal number of Ki points (rounded up). This only counts toward the base amount, any Ki points added to increase the level of the spell/number of damage dice, are not effected. If an Elemental Discipline costs 1 Ki point (before being reduced by this feature), then you may activate it for no Ki cost once per short rest. This does not include the cost for added Ki points. You pick one more element at 6th, 11th, and 17th levels.
True. While I'd like to think each of them do have some sort of element attached to them, I guess it's all down to the GM's decision if that is the case or not.
Why not have each element have their own unique abilities if you choose the element? Like by spending a Ki point for the next attack or minutes depending on the element: Water: you have a whip made out of water and get like 10 feet reach, Earth sends projectile that deals bludgeoning damage and maybe knock prone after a save?, fire something like a fire bolt but with some special effect (can't think of any), wind gives you speed or something like that?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Born under the watch of something from the furthest corners of the far realms.... It knows all.... it sees all... and it asks: "What is it that you want to see?"... and my answer is... ALL"
That could be interesting, though I think that would have to be a feature all of its own. Maybe after this, I'll try my hand at a full remake of the subclass by adding features to it. I always found it odd that the only features this subclass got was a single 'spell' at certain levels, so it might be good to add a few lesser features to go along with them in order to make it feel better without becoming overpowered.
There's also the "Four Elements Remastered" pdf floating around somewhere on Reddit. I'd recommend giving that a look for anyone who'd like to play a Four Elements monk and thinks their DM would be ok with buffing the subclass.
This does have a great deal of insight, I think I might show it to my GM and see if they might be willing to change up some stuff. Thanks for the info.
Oh I know there is, this was just an experiment to show that while a remaster show be given to this subclass, it could be significantly improved with even just a single feature.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
I've been playing a Way of the Four Elements Monk for quite some time now, which has made me realize how true the popular opinion of this subclass being subpar really is. So I decided to try and think of a way to help it along without completely changing everything, since I think a remake isn't entirely necessary. (Though, I definitely see the appeal.) Anyway, I ended up coming up with a single feature that I think not only makes this subclass a lot more appealing to use, but also fits with the idea that you're becoming a master of the elements. Let me know your opinions on it if you could, I'm very curious.
Perfecting Elements
You have studied the elements and how they work in tandem with your Ki to such a degree that they become easier to use. When picking this monastic tradition at 3rd level, choose one of the four elements; Earth, Wind, Water or Fire. All Elemental Disciplines that use that element in some way, now costs half the normal number of Ki points (rounded up). This only counts toward the base amount, any Ki points added to increase the level of the spell/number of damage dice, are not effected. If an Elemental Discipline costs 1 Ki point (before being reduced by this feature), then you may activate it for no Ki cost once per short rest. This does not include the cost for added Ki points. You pick one more element at 6th, 11th, and 17th levels.
Other than the 4 elements being unevenly represented in the 4 elements subclass, I think this helps.
True. While I'd like to think each of them do have some sort of element attached to them, I guess it's all down to the GM's decision if that is the case or not.
Why not have each element have their own unique abilities if you choose the element? Like by spending a Ki point for the next attack or minutes depending on the element: Water: you have a whip made out of water and get like 10 feet reach, Earth sends projectile that deals bludgeoning damage and maybe knock prone after a save?, fire something like a fire bolt but with some special effect (can't think of any), wind gives you speed or something like that?
Born under the watch of something from the furthest corners of the far realms.... It knows all.... it sees all... and it asks: "What is it that you want to see?"... and my answer is... ALL"
That could be interesting, though I think that would have to be a feature all of its own. Maybe after this, I'll try my hand at a full remake of the subclass by adding features to it. I always found it odd that the only features this subclass got was a single 'spell' at certain levels, so it might be good to add a few lesser features to go along with them in order to make it feel better without becoming overpowered.
Have you seen this article yet? It has some great insights.
I would personally add Control Flames, Gust, and Shape Water to the list of Cantrips available, and get rid of the Acid/Lightning Cantrips though.
Creating Epic Boons on DDB
DDB Buyers' Guide
Hardcovers, DDB & You
Content Troubleshooting
There's also the "Four Elements Remastered" pdf floating around somewhere on Reddit. I'd recommend giving that a look for anyone who'd like to play a Four Elements monk and thinks their DM would be ok with buffing the subclass.
Partway through the quest for absolute truth.
This does have a great deal of insight, I think I might show it to my GM and see if they might be willing to change up some stuff. Thanks for the info.
Oh I know there is, this was just an experiment to show that while a remaster show be given to this subclass, it could be significantly improved with even just a single feature.